Breast Cancer Resources

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Routine mammograms can detect breast cancer before it spreads.

1 in every 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in her life.1

The good news is that survival rates for breast cancer have been going up due to increased awareness and advances in screening. Routine exams and screenings can help detect breast cancer early, when it’s easier to treat and more likely to be cured.2

Our resources below can teach you about early detection and prevention. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Breast Cancer

Knowing the facts about breast cancer can help you catch it early and reduce your risk.

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Screening and Early Detection

The earlier breast cancer is found, the better the chances for successful treatment. The following are recommended for finding breast cancer early in women at average risk:

  • Clinical Breast Exam: During your well-woman exam, your healthcare provider will check for any changes in the breasts, like lumps, bumps, or other abnormalities to help detect potential issues early.
  • Monthly Self-Exams: All women should perform a monthly self-exam at home to get to know how your breasts normally look and feel, which makes it easier to notice changes. Providers often recommend doing self-exams the week after your menstrual period, or at a consistent time each month if you’re postmenopausal. If you notice any changes during your self-exams, contact your provider right away.

    Learn how to conduct a breast self-exam

  • Screening Mammograms: Women ages 40 to 74 should get a mammogram every two years, as recommended by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. A mammogram is an x-ray that can detect signs of breast cancer before symptoms appear. They typically take about 20 minutes, and, while it might be uncomfortable, regular mammograms can lower the risk of dying from breast cancer.6,7

    Mammograms are important screening tools, but they have limits. They can miss cancer or show abnormalities that are not cancer. Learn more about mammograms on our blog, Routine Mammograms: A Key to Detecting Breast Cancer

If any screenings are abnormal, you may need an ultrasound or biopsy to confirm a diagnosis. Talk with your provider about your risk factors and personal screening recommendations.

Annual well-woman exams and routine screening mammograms are covered at 100% under the Compass Rose Health Plan when performed by an in-network provider.  

High Option Members: Complete your mammogram screening and receive 100 reward points.

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An Extra Layer of Support

Navigating a cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. If you have been diagnosed with breast cancer, Compass Rose Living Well is here to guide and support you. Our team can answer questions, connect you with specialists, help manage side effects, and make sure you understand the stages and treatment options.

Learn More About Living Well

Breast Cancer by the Numbers

1 in 8

Approximately 13% of U.S. women will develop breast cancer in their lifetime.1

4M

There are more than 4 million breast cancer survivors in the United States.1

62

The median age at the time of breast cancer diagnosis is 62.1

Additional Resources

1 https://www.cancer.org/cancer/types/breast-cancer/about/how-common-is-breast-cancer.html  
2 https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/breast-cancer/symptoms-causes/syc-20352470
3 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/3986-breast-cancer  
4 https://www.breastcancer.org/facts-statistics
5 https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/risk-factors/index.html  
6 https://www.cdc.gov/breast-cancer/screening/index.html  
7 https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/4877-mammogram